Abstract
Huge quantities of plant by-products and plant wastes generated are stressing to assess their re-usability, probably as mulching, in conserving soil moisture. Magnitude and timing of evaporation reduction by mulching is vital in scheduling irrigation, particularly in dry areas. This study experimentally investigated the effects of six different plant based mulch treatments [coconut coir dust, coconut husk chips, Gliricidia leaves (Gliricidia Sepium), paddy straw, rice husk and saw dust] on controlling soil surface evaporation in sandy loam soil during the two stages of evaporation (energy limiting and falling rate) and degree of dependence of the soil surface evaporation on weather parameters. During the energy limiting evaporation stage, in comparison to the bare soil, all the mulch treatments exhibited the greatest differences in the soil surface evaporation rates (ANOVA, p 0.05) during the falling rate evaporation stage, proved as the least effective mulch in providing prolonged evaporation restriction. Evaporation in saw dust mulched soil was highly dependent on temperature (p<0.01) and relative humidity (p<0.01) during the energy limiting stage.
Highlights
Several studies indicate that use of mulch can bring numerous advantages
The experiment was conducted with six different types of plant by-products and plant wastes based mulch treatments: coconut coir dust, coconut husk chips, Gliricidia leaves, paddy straw, rice husk and saw dust
This study determined the effectiveness of fairly abundant plant byproducts and plant wastes in the tropical region as mulch materials in controlling the soil surface evaporation
Summary
Several studies indicate that use of mulch can bring numerous advantages. Mulching is commonly used to conserve soil moisture in dry areas, mainly due to its ability to reduce soil evaporation by breaking capillarity [6], [8], [11], [12], [29]. As a sustainable agricultural practice, organic mulching brings numerous positive effects on crop production other than conserving the soil moisture. Organic mulching has been shown to enhance root growth, soil fertility, yield and weed control [3], [5], [10], [14], [23], [26]. It improves soil physical conditions, increases soil water retention capacity and facilitates water uptake by plants [4], [30]. It helps to control soil erosion [18], [19], [22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
